“The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is pleased to announce the arrival of the Honorable Douglas A. Silliman as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Iraq,” reads a statement from the Embassy.
Silliman presented his credentials to Iraqi President Fuad Masum, who officially accepted them on behalf of the Iraqi state.
Silliman said he will continue the strategic partnership between the US and Iraq and will look to build more cooperation between the two nations.
“I thank [outgoing] Ambassador Jones for his outstanding work in furthering the partnership between the United States and Iraq,” Silliman said upon his arrival, according to the Embassy’s statement.
“I look forward to continuing the U.S.-Iraqi strategic partnership and building new areas for cooperation between the American and Iraqi peoples.”
Silliman has many years of experience in the Middle East. Since joining the Foreign Service in 1984, he has served at posts in Jordan, Haiti, Pakistan, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Turkey.
He has also previously served at the US embassy in Baghdad. From 2011 to 2013 he was Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs and then Deputy Chief of Mission.
Silliman replaces Stuart E. Jones, who was ambassador from 2014 to 2016.
In a message wrapping up his tenure as ambassador, Jones cited American military and humanitarian support for Iraq, saying that, while the United States is the top international donor in Iraqi, “I’m humbled to say that the true leaders in providing humanitarian assistance are the people of Iraq. It is the people of Iraq that have provided and extraordinary lesson to the international community in generosity. You’ve taken more than 3 million displaced, in your homes, mosques, and communities.”
“We want to see a prosperous, secure, unified and democratic Iraq that serves the aspirations and wellbeing of all Iraqis,” he added.
The US embassy in Baghdad, at 104 acres, is considered the largest embassy in the world. It opened in January 2009.
